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Illuminating DRL and Turn Lights with Single Common Lamp

Last Updated on September 26, 2019 by Swagatam 41 Comments

The article discusses a simple circuit for enabling the turn signal lamp of any car to carry out a two-way function of DRL lights as well as well the stipulated turn lights. The idea was requested by Mr. Artem.

Technical Specifications

Thank you for your fanaticism with electronics, this is really noticeable through your blog. I've been experimenting with some of your circuits, and everything is okay for now.

Here I kindly ask your professional advise on my project.

Some tiny vehicles have a certain lack of room to place LED lights in order to look fine. For one of those, Nissan Micra i was asked to combine LED Turns and DRL lights without placing one next to another..

Considering a small city car ergonomics i searched the market.

I ordered twin color Y+W 1Watt 350mA LED-Emitters from China, so I could combine both functions by means of some kind a controller at one spot.

And as it often happens, seller did not provide any specs for his product.

4-pin LEDs actually have common "+" so i can not drive six of them in series or implement any known driver. Please advise something useful, I believe you are able to.

Thanks in advance,
Artem,
Moscow,
Russia.

DRL and Turn Lights with Single Common Lamp
caution electricity can be dangerous

The Design

The proposed circuit which combines and enables illuminating DRL and turn signal lamps through a single common lamp can be seen above.

The circuit basically allows the same lamp (preferably LEDs) to implement a dual function of DRL lights as well as turn signals, depending on which one is switched ON.

The DRL switch is supposed to be switched ON permanently, so that the connected lamp illuminates through the TIP122 transistor, and as soon as the turn signal flasher is switched ON, the TIP122 is instantly disabled through the BC547, allowing the turn signal to flash the LED at the given frequency.

The above happens since the BC547 becomes triggered ON through the turn signal switching and keeps the TIP122 base grounded and disabled.

The 100uF/25 plays a crucial role here, and makes sure that the BC547 stays disabled for both the ON and the OFF periods of the turn signal inputs, therefore this capacitor might require some tweaking until the right minimum timing is determined.

Bigger values will work but this might result in a delayed switch ON of the DRL each time the turn signal is deactivated, therefore the 100uF value could need some adjustments.

The 10k preset at the base of the TIP122 may be used for determining the brightness level on the DRL, so this becomes an added feature in the design.

Feedback from Mr. Artem

Thank you for the circuit.

But it seems  you get me a little wrong. I wanted the circuit to drive 350ma double color leds, which has single common "+"positive and two "-"negative pins for white and yellow respectively. Both lamps are in single body for ergonomic reasons.

Your suggested circuit doing the job well but we must take two colors with common positive pin in account.

Solving the Circuit Query

As per the above response, the earlier diagram can be modified as shown below for executing the new function.

I have assumed the LEDs to be having the current limiting feature originally, therefore it's not been shown here or included in the proposed designs. Otherwise 5 ohm, 2 watt resistors could be included in series with the respective negative lines of the LED module.

Question Regarding Switchback Driver Controller

The following request was sent by Mr. Dejan Djordjevic

Hi Swagatam,
Can you build a solid state switchback driver controller. You probably know has this works but if needed I will explain.On internet I find some schematics but they use relay and whole assembly is to big. Can you make schematic without relay?

This controller have 3 wires, yellow, black and red.On yellow wire you connect signal from car turn signal, on red connect DRL (daytime runing lights) and black is ground for both.When DRL is ON and you turn ON turning signal DRL will go OFF.When turn signal is switched OFF DRL will automaticaly go ON again.So, this controller is just switching between DRLs and turn signals.You can see one example here

My Reply:

Please check the following diagram, I hope this will do the job

Feedback from Dejan

I tried this circuit and it's working fine.Just small correction if it is possible- can you add a little delay when switching from turn signal to DRL?For example-if turn light is not working for 2 seconds then DRL is switching on.

My Reply:

The delay feature is already present. You can increase the 100uF capacitor value, or increase the 10K near the transistor base to increase delay

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About Swagatam

Swagatam is an electronic engineer, hobbyist, inventor, schematic/PCB designer, manufacturer. He is also the founder and the author of the website: https://www.homemade-circuits.com/, where he loves sharing his innovative circuit ideas and tutorials.
If you have any circuit related queries, you may interact through comments, and get guaranteed replies from the author.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ivan says

    June 15, 2022

    Maybe I missed something but I have a question: I have a Kawasaki Versys and would love to have the indicators stay on (or even better, dimmed) like DRL. Do you have an easy scheme/how-to for this?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      June 15, 2022

      So you want the existing turn signal lamps to stay lit dimly, and to illuminate brightly when the turn signals are switched ON, right?

      Reply
      • Ivan says

        June 15, 2022

        Correct indeed. Or maybe also a circuit design without dimming

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          June 15, 2022

          I can design a circuit which will keep the lamps glowing with a reduced intensity continuously, as soon as the flasher is switched ON the lamps will start flashing with bright intensity.

          Reply
          • Ivan says

            June 16, 2022

            Yes please. I’m pretty sure its easy to make. I only know the most basic part of electronics. Not with mosfet or diodes.

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              June 16, 2022

              The circuit will involve transistors, diodes, and resistors.

              Reply
              • Swagatam says

                June 16, 2022

                Here’s the circuit which you can use for the specified application:
                modifying turn signal lamp to work like DRL

                Reply
                • Ivan says

                  June 16, 2022

                  Many thanks! Looks really complicated for a novice like me 🙂
                  This one is with dimmed DRL right? Because I see something with 6V
                  If I want without dimmed then I need to remove the 6V resistor?

                  Reply
                  • Swagatam says

                    June 16, 2022

                    You are welcome!….for a newcomer this may look difficult but once you get well versed with the component ponouts, you will find it mush easier.
                    That’s correct, the zener diode value determines the DRL brightness, increasing its value will increase the brightness and vice versa. Removing it completely will produce maximum brightness.

                    Reply
                    • Ivan says

                      June 16, 2022

                      Why can’t I only use a mosfet? I have an idea in my head so that the indicators pulse cuts off the DRL power. Or am I thinking to easy?

                    • Swagatam says

                      June 16, 2022

                      The lamp connected at the mosfet source side will drop at least 5V, and a lamp connected at BJT emitter side will drop only 1V, so BJT is better. Your idea looks good but the main problem is that if you keep the both the turn signal lamps ON as DRL, and then may be flash one of them that will be so confusing to the other vehicles behind you….even the traffic police will not allow this thing.

                    • Ivan says

                      June 17, 2022

                      The latest BMW GS and Honda African Twin always have the other indicator stay one when they indicate. Maybe in this country it’s legal then haha.

                    • Swagatam says

                      June 17, 2022

                      Wow that’s strange, if it is not considered illegal in your country, you can use it. As per your previous suggestion you can modify the previous design in the following way:

                      using turn signal lamps like DRL

                    • ivan says

                      June 20, 2022

                      Thank you very much. I will try to find the parts and get started this month! I will let you know

                    • Swagatam says

                      June 20, 2022

                      No Problem Ivan, all the best to you!

  2. Chandrasekhar says

    June 6, 2020

    Hi I used tip122 and 2n5551 transistor . Diode 1n4007 using. Now problem is the led is running dim during the parking And turn indicator light. How to increase the light intensity.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      June 6, 2020

      Hi, are you referring to the first circuit? Please provide the specifications of your LED.

      Reply
      • Chandrasekhar says

        June 6, 2020

        Yes 1st circuit. I dont know the led spec but it might be 300mA. 12 v

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          June 7, 2020

          Did you adjust the TIP122 base preset correctly? because this preset adjusts the voltage for the LED, also try shorting the collector/emitter of the TIP122 and check if that illuminates the LED brightly or not. this will prove whether the transistor has problems or the LED.

          Reply
          • chandrasekhar says

            June 8, 2020

            I connected the base and emmiter of TIP122. still the led not illuminated to high.. what the problem. should i change to s8050 ?

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              June 8, 2020

              That means the LED spec is not matching your supply voltage input or the LED may be damaged, you may have to buy a correctly rated LED. The problem is not with the transistor.

              Reply
            • CHANDRA SEKHAR BEHERA says

              June 12, 2020

              But whenever i directly connect the LED the led, the LED glow full bright. But with the TIP122 circuit the LED not glow fully..

              Reply
              • Swagatam says

                June 12, 2020

                But you said the LED illumination did not become bright when the emitter/collector of TIP122 was shorted? Shorting emmiter/collector is equivalent to connecting the LED directly with the supply.

                Reply
            • Chandrasekhar says

              June 13, 2020

              Yes Swagtam, led not glow fully when connecting emmiter n collector of transistor. Than means tip122 is damaged?

              Reply
              • Swagatam says

                June 13, 2020

                When you connect emitter/collector that means you are connecting the LED directly with the supply. if still the LED is not glowing brightly then your LEd is faulty or may be your circuit connections have problems.

                Reply
  3. Ercan says

    May 3, 2020

    Hello there,
    I connected 8 power leds for drl. tip127 transistor gets too hot. leds draw 650 ma current. What can I use stronger than tip127.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 3, 2020

      Hello, How did you connect the LEDs? And what is the voltage rating of the LEDs

      Reply
      • Ercan says

        May 3, 2020

        power leds 12V and 3W. I use led driver for each led. There are 8 LEDs and drivers in total.

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          May 4, 2020

          3 divided by 12 gives 0.25 amps, 8 leds in parallel gives 0.25 x 8 = 2 amps. So your circuit is consuming 2 amps and not 650 milliamps, that’s why the transistor is heating up. You can add a big heatsink to the transistor or replace it with TIP142, but still you might need a heatsink

          Reply
          • Ercan says

            May 4, 2020

            thank you. I connected the relay instead of the DRL light and gave the light through the relay contacts. circuit works very well. I made 2 circuits. I connected it to the vehicle but it does not work synchronously. daytime led lights up milliseconds late than the other. Do you have an idea to have the same reaction in both circuits at the same time.

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              May 5, 2020

              The delay could due to slight difference in the coil resistance of the relay coils, which can be difficult to adjust or correct.

              Reply
  4. J. Delke says

    April 15, 2018

    I have a circuit design request… It’s an automotive application, 12VDC, negative ground.

    Using a single, momentary, N.O. pushbutton I’d like to accomplish the following functionality to a 12v relay.

    Action 1 – Tap the pushbutton and the relay would pulse/fire quickly 3 times… end of cycle/command
    Action 2 – Press and hold the pushbutton and the relay would latch on.
    Action 3 – If the circuit is in “Action 2”, a momentary press on the button would reset the relay, readying the circuit for a #1 or #2 action again.

    This is a “flash to pass” or “High Beams ON” function, depending upon the duration of the button press.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      April 15, 2018

      Action 1 and 2 may be possible but 3 will not be possible using a normal circuit (without microprocessor), resetting will require a separate switch.

      Reply
  5. dave windsor says

    February 13, 2017

    hi iam having problems with the last circuit with the dual drl with dimming drl when indicator is turned on please help thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      February 14, 2017

      please specify the details…

      Reply
  6. Linus Fernandes says

    November 18, 2015

    hi. can you suggest a circuit diagram for dusk to dawn control. i have manages to replicate the ones that are used in automatic night lamps which illuminate a couple of led's. Do you have any schematics which can drive regular incandescent bulbs, without using a relay.

    You response will be highly appreciated.

    I have had a sweep through your blog. Your hard work and inputs are admirable..
    Hats off to you. Keep the good work going.

    Linus Fernandes
    9004805177 / 8698303609 / 9321279202

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      November 18, 2015

      Hi, thanks!

      you can try the following circuit:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2011/12/simple-led-automatic-daynight-lamp.html

      you will need to remove the LEDs and configure the transistor with a triac for the intended purpose of driving an incandescent bulb, I hope you know how to do it 🙂

      Reply
  7. Mayank Padm Bhushan says

    November 3, 2015

    Hello sir ,
    I have no op-amp ic 741, can i use op-amp ic lm324 in the place of ic 741

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      November 3, 2015

      Hello Mayank, you can use it but the unused 3 opamps will need to be appropriately terminated for preventing long term affects to the ICs

      Reply
  8. Mayank Padm Bhushan says

    November 1, 2015

    Hello sir ,
    I want to make a 12V 90 Amp battery charger with full charge detector. I have a 500watt inverter transfarmer . Please help me

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      November 2, 2015

      Hello Mayank,

      you can use the second circuit from the following link:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2011/12/how-to-make-simple-low-battery-voltage.html

      Reply

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